Paper Talk: Arsenal offered Atletico duo in straight swap for Lacazette

Alexandre Lacazette could be allowed to join Atletico Madrid with two players heading to Arsenal, while Leeds and West Ham are battling to sign a Ukrainian defender, according to Saturday’s transfer gossip.

ATLETICO CONTACT ARSENAL OVER THREE-WAY SWAP

Arsenal have been offered two Atletico Madrid stars as part of the LaLiga side’s bid to sign Alexandre Lacazette.

The Gunners striker has two years left on his contract at Emirates Stadium. While he remains happy at the club, he looks to be down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order. Club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, plus young guns, Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli, all appear ahead of him.

As such, Arsenal could look to cash in this summer. While they would likely prefer a cash sale, a report claims Atletico have offered an interesting proposal.

According to the Daily Express, Diego Simeone’s side are ‘extremely keen’ to land the French forward.

Citing Marca, they state Thomas Lemar and Vitolo could head to north London as part of a swap deal for Lacazette.

Lemar is seeking a fresh start after struggling for form since his move to the Wanda Metropolitano in 2018. Having joined from Monaco in a €70m, the player had previously been the subject of interest from Arsenal.

Vitolo, a 12-times capped Spain winger, could also be of interest to the Gunners.

He made 35 appearances last season but only managed three goals and two assists.

The 30-year-old has two years left on his current contract.

READ MORE: Arsenal one of six clubs on alert as Barcelona make decision on defender

LEEDS, WEST HAM EYE MATVIYENKO

West Ham are preparing to challenge Leeds in the race for Shakhtar Donetsk defender Mykola Matviyenko. (Daily Express)

Arsenal have reportedly identified Brentford goalkeeper David Raya as a replacement for Emiliano Martinez. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester City are unwilling to include regular first-team players in any bid to sign Lionel Messi from Barcelona. Gabriel Jesus, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez have all been mooted as potential makeweights. (Daily Mail)

Messi has asked his representatives to set up a meeting with the Barcelona board so as to ‘avoid a war’ over his future. However, the Catalan club showed no signs of accepting the olive branch. (Daily Mail)

TOTTENHAM CLOSE ON DOHERTY

Tottenham have agreed a £15m fee with Wolves for right-back Matt Doherty after a breakthrough in talks. (Daily Mail)

Gareth Southgate will discover on Sunday night how severely his squad will be hit by the latest coronavirus outbreak. (Daily Mail)

Brighton are considering a move for Brentford star Rico Henry, but face competition from Leeds and Aston Villa. (The Sun)

Inter Milan have reopened transfer negotiations to sign Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal. (The Sun)

Robin Koch will have a medical at Leeds this weekend before sealing his £13m move from Freiburg. (Daily Star)

AND MORE GOSSIP

Chelsea are looking to AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in a £50m deal. (Daily Star)

Manchester United are understood to be keen to sign Real Madrid defender Sergio Reguilon. (Daily Star)

AC Milan are in talks with Bournemouth to bring Asmir Begovic back to the San Siro. (Daily Telegraph)

Manchester City are hopeful Lionel Messi’s friendship with Sergio Aguero could be key to striking a deal. (Daily Telegraph)

Aston Villa are close to making their first summer signing with the £12m capture of Nottingham Forest’s Matty Cash. (Daily Telegraph)